Letter 75 - Living Water

Dear Loved Ones, 

Hello from Thailand! I did a little math and I will be writing our 100th blog on our final week in Thailand! So, Letter 75 means we are 3/4 of the way finished! 

Speaking of finishing our mission, things got REAL this week! We were notified that our replacements will be coming on November 18th! That will give us about 2 weeks to train them before we head home! Everyone!!! November 18th is less than 5 months away!!!!! 

All I can say is: Bittersweet. 

The pictures will have to say the rest, but if you are not inclined to scroll, you will miss the play, the rain, the fireside, the blessings, the house inspections, and I am not sure what else!

So, let's get started!

But first, know that we love you and miss you and thank you for your love, support, prayers, and kind words. 

Love, 

Elder and Sister Brady (mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, John and Shelly, and so on)

Last Friday night, the Senior missionaries got together and took the subway across town to go to go see our YSA friend, Jessica, perform in a play! Our metro stop let us off in front of this beautiful Wat (Thai Temple). The temple with the lovely sky in the background had to be photographed.

This subway stop is right on the outskirts of China town. 

The buildings and the goods for sale are so lovely! 

The alleyway that our GPS took us on reminded the senior missionaries Elders Brady and Justensen of what it was like back when they served in Bangkok nearly half a century ago. 

The alleyway was so narrow that we had to stop while this car backed into a parking spot, except for Elder Brady, who was up ahead!

We walked about a mile to this beautiful old building where the play would be held. It is at a place called The British Club. There were all kinds of buildings and whatnot on the private property. We saw people playing tennis on some fancy tennis courts! 

I was disappointed to not see any pickleball! 

Before the play, there was some British food available for purchase! I got a vegetarian meat pie with British curly fries! They also had bangers and mash, and fish and chips! 

The senior missionaries! Bradys, Justensens, and the Calls.

And here is the play we saw! The Importance of Being Earnest! It was a fun comedy! Our daughter, Rikki, was in this play around 12 years ago. 

Jessica and cast take a bow! 

Meet and greet with the star of the show! Jessica!

Scroll back up to see the beautiful skies. Which is why none of us had brought our umbrellas, except for Sister Justensen (smart Sister Justensen).  A serious storm blew in while we were watching the play! We could hear the rain pouring down on the roof above us! We walked about a mile in the rain to the subway stop. We were a little soaked by the time we got home. 

Saturday, we stayed in Bangkok. After a British Dinner the night before, we decided that Scandinavian food would be a perfect lunch. So we headed to Ikea for Swedish Meatballs and potatoes! And broccoli!

After lunch, we roamed around the store and found SMASH!!! We discovered Smash on our trip to Norway 8 years ago. Katrina and I managed to eat several bags of it on our weekend getaway! It was ridiculously expensive (here in Thailand), but I had to buy one! I haven't opened it yet. I can definitely make my own version with bugles and chocolate chips, but it will be fun to eat the REAL thing! 

The Emsphere Mall (where IKEA is located) always has cool decorations! 

I spotted this cute display at the ButterBear store. Apparently, ButterBear has become Tik Tok famous and is now a brand ambassador in Thailand. I did a little google research and found out this is a bakery with yummy buttery desserts! Now, I need to try some of these yummy treats! 

Saturday evening, Elder Brady was asked to speak at a fireside on Zoom. This was a fireside for members in India. Elder Brady shared some stories about his service as a missionary and as a patriarch. 

He shared some fun facts about the total amount of blessings he has given to members from India, including the fact that the majority have been from this particular area. 

On Sunday morning, we met Sister Selin Miller. She is from Chennai, India. She introduced herself in Church and told us that she had seen the fireside the night before. She is in Thailand now serving in the Temple. It was lovely to meet her. 

Do you remember these sweet sisters (from India) from last week! We ran into them at church and had to take some pictures! 

Sunday afternoon dinner! Taco Quesadillas! I don't cook that often, but when I do, it is pretty basic! 

Elder Brady pitched in! 

Monday morning stop at the fruit stand just down the block from the temple. The fruit lady is prying the top off a coconut for me. The coconut milk inside is so fresh and cold! It is the best drink ever!

Monday evening, we dropped Elder Biju's blessing off to him in the MTC (on the 3rd floor). We joined them for dinner and some delicious Swenson Ice Cream Cake to celebrate a sister missionaries birthday!

Tuesday morning, I logged on to my computer and went to where I check to see if we have any new missionaries coming to Thailand. I keep those lists updated for the immigration department here. We usually see new young missionaries popping up every few days or weeks. I was surprised to see some Senior faces! And I looked at their call and mission dates and I realized they are our replacements!!!! I was so excited and sad at the same time! Elder and Sister Barber arrive in Thailand on November 18th. We will have just over two weeks to train them before we leave! IT IS GETTING REAL!!!! Do you realize November 18th is now less than 5 months away!? Time is going to fly!!! 

Tuesday afternoon, we had the opportunity to meet Christina, Reeta, and Shanan from Pakistan. We had blessings already on the calendar for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. So, when we saw there names appear in the system Monday night, I sent them a text, and we found out they were on their way to Bangkok!! 

Christina (daughter) and Reeta (mother) received their patriarchal blessings Tuesday afternoon, and the family spent time in the temple for the rest of the week. 

Wednesday morning, I Facetimed with Kevin while he picked blueberries! I do miss the yummy berries we get in the northwest! 

This is Raja and Vadivoo from India. They came to Bangkok to go to the temple and receive their patriarchal blessings. They are such a sweet couple. 

Wednesday, after the blessing, we headed out to catch the train to head to the Sisters for a house inspection! Selfie in the lobby mirror! Sisters did a nice job in their house! . 

Sisters Polsan and Malquist are sweet and lovely!

Of course, house inspections make us very hungry, so we went to Pepper Lunch! 

Where else would we go?  

Oh, I know where else we would go . . . Mixue! For an after lunch ice cream cone! 

Wednesday evening, we met up with the Merkleys. Elder and Sister Merkley serve in Hong Kong. They serve as auditors and Elder Merkley is also a patriarch. 

We also ran into Christina on her way to the temple. 

Thursday morning, I shared my workout equipment with a friendly gecko. 

We also got to meet Elder Pandian, whose mother and father we met and blessed the day before. Elder Pandian is currently serving a mission in India, but got permission to fly to Thailand to be sealed to his parents in the Thailand temple. We asked him where he got his height from! 

Shortly after he arrived in Thailand, Elder Pandian received his patriarchal blessing. 

Friday morning, I delivered Elder Pandian's printed blessing to him. His brother had arrived and the family would be going to the temple to be sealed today! They are so excited!

We were waiting for a grab to head out to FSY and I looked up and had to get a picture of the Condo next door! 

At FSY, I was walking down the hall when I heard someone say "Sister Brady!" It was Navi! From Oregon! She lives in Thailand now and I love it when I run into her! I was her camp mom a couple of years ago! I love seeing her happy smiling face! 

Elder Brady had an opportunity to give blessings to these young men from Beijing! Their dad works for the state department and they live down the road from where Katrina and family will be living! I love that we were able to meet these young men who will likely be good friends of our grandchildren! 

Fletcher, Oliver, and Julian at FSY in Thailand! They all live in Beijing now and Katrina and family will meet them in just a couple of months! 

On the drive home we saw a storm brewing in the distance! It looked like a funnel cloud, so we had to take a picture! The rain started shortly after!

On our drive home, I caught sight of the Baiyoke Tower! We had breakfast here with the Belnaps last fall before they left. The view was amazing. 

Speaking of water, I was surprised at this large delivery of water bottles to the West Mission! In Thailand, we can get dehydrated fast and water is a necessity to live! Elder Brady has been told to stay hydrated especially after his recent experience with the blood clots. All of this water reminds me of  a conversation Jesus had with the woman at the well: 

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, 

Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

I am so grateful for the living water of Christ's love, devotion, and example! 

And that concludes this week's blog. 

It is Friday night, I'm tired. I've been tired since noon today! 

So I am heading to bed! Thanks for reading! 

We love and miss you! 

Letter 74 - Food, Blessings, Inspections, and Zone Conference!

Dear family and friends,

Well, to get right to the point--the subject line covers the events, and the pictures below will cover all the details! 

I honestly can't believe that on Monday, June will be half over; we have less than 6 months left on our mission; and Christmas will have come and gone in 6 months and 2 weeks! What is happening??

On to the pictures to cover all of the details of this past week. 

But first, as always, we love you and miss you, and thank you for all of your love, support, prayers, and kind words.

Love, 

Elder and Sister Brady (mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, John and Shelly, and so on)

                                                          

                                                                  Hello from Thailand! 

Last Saturday, we traveled down to Rayong to do house inspections at the Elders and Sisters condos. We saw the Elder's place first, ate some yummy pizza for lunch at Pizza Company, and then went over to the Sister's place for an inspection. Pictured are Elder Olsen USA (who leaves in July), Sisters Zabala Philippines and Merritt USA, us, and Elder Richards USA (who serves as Rayong Branch President). 

Elder Brady helps Elder Olsen hook up a hose to the washing machine that is out on the balcony. 

We found some pictures hiding behind the sister's clothing rack! 

Zoom in! It is Elder Huber and Elder Jones! Haha! The sisters actually found those pictures on the wall and wondered who put them there!! Both of these Elders used to live in this apartment. But now it is where the Rayong Sisters live! Haha! 

The view from the apartment!

Throw back to lunch on Friday! This food was so good!!! Som Tam (Raw Papaya Salad)!

Delicious Thai Style Chicken and another scrumptious dish (but I cannot remember what it is called)! 

Sunday morning, Rayong Branch poses for a picture. 

Elder Huber (who was just released) and his family came to visit Rayong. He was the first missionary to open up Rayong with his companion about a year and a half ago. Nom Tan was the first person to join the church in Rayong. She saw two young men riding their bikes, pulled her car up to them, and asked what they were doing in Rayong. They told her and she wanted to hear their message about Jesus Christ! We love Nom Tan!

This is Parker (former Elder Huber) with Ma Beear. Parker and his companion met her when they went to do some service in a park. They were sweeping and she joined in and has been coming to church ever since. She is a wonderful woman, an amazing cook, and always has a smile and a hug for us.

This is her friend Ma Pen. She attends church regularly and loves to cook for us. These dear women keep in touch with all of the missionaries over video calls. They have so much love for everyone they meet.

This is Sister Mary Jean. She is from the Philippines and is teaching at a school in Rayong. She used travel 3 or 4 hours one way to get to church on Sundays, so she was so happy when the Rayong Branch opened. Parker was so happy to have a member attending in Rayong when he was sent to open the branch. Mary Jean brought lots of her friends to church. 

She currently serves as our Relief Society President.

Our Branch has grown over the past year and a half. 

Monday morning exercise. I walked 75 floors! 

After our workouts, we spent some time Facetiming with Sawyer and Dawson (Kevin's boys). They had smiles for us, but they look pretty serious in this photo, 

signing off with an "I love you" in sign language!

Next stop on Monday was the dentist's office where I got my teeth cleaned and a check up!

Look! No cavities! After needing a root canal last fall, I was very happy!

After the dentist, it was time for our monthly office ladies' lunch. It was Sister Justensen's  turn to pick the place and we went to Jones Salad (she is on the left). It was so delicious!! I miss salads so much. You have to wash all the veggies in Thailand before you eat them unless you have peeled them or cooked them. So basically, the only veggies we eat are carrots and cucumbers that I peel, because I am too lazy to wash veggies. I am not sure how well the food is washed in the restaurants, but I trust the system and go for the salads when we go out! This place was awesome! The giant salad you see pictured was about $3 USD! On the right is Sister Call and Sister White.

Monday afternoon, I am finally in the office. The APs stopped by and invited us to sing a hymn with them. They were preparing their training for Zone Conference and knew that singing a hymn along with prayer would invite the Spirit and help them with their preparations. They asked Sister Call to choose the hymn and she chose "I Will Walk With Jesus." It turns out that the Elders had both, separately, spoken to their mothers earlier. Both of their moms had suggested (when asked) "walking with Jesus" for their theme for training and they were also both feeling that they would be going in that direction. The hymn suggestion brought the Spirit and helped confirm what they had been feeling. Here is a link to Vocal Point singing "I will Walk with Jesus" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvaaXMzMQYc

Monday evening, we had Kaitlyn over for pizza and movie night. 

Does anyone want to guess what movie this is? IYKYK

It's a funny movie! And this is one of our favorite parts! 

Also a favorite part!

OK - I will tell you. It was "Dairy of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days!" And it was goodbye to Kaitlyn who is heading back to the USA after living here with Jessica for the past 6 plus months. Jess couldn't come to movie night because she is in a play this weekend and it is Tech Week!

Tuesday morning breakfast! Fresh Coconut! 

Well, actually I bought it the day before from my fruit lady and stuck it in the freezer because I like it icy cold. But then I forgot about it. It was a yummy frozen coconut water slushy this morning! 

Tuesday morning shopping trip to Makro. Sister Call and took the subway one stop to Sukhumvit. Then we took off walking a little over half a mile to Makro. We had my rolling carry on suitcase and extra shopping bags. We bought 7 and a half dozen eggs, 2 giant cartons of ice cream, pancake mix, Nutella, peanut butter, whipped cream, butter, bananas and more! Then we walked outside in the 90 something degree heat back to the subway, praying the ice cream would not melt inside my suitcase! Thankfully it did not! We had to do a taste test once we got back to the office to make sure it was still frozen and delicious! It passed the test! 

Tuesday afternoon, Elder Brady gave patriarchal blessings to these two beautiful sisters from India. This is Binitha and her sister Manju. There was such a wonderful spirit about them and we spent some time after the blessings talking with them and getting to hear their story. 

Tuesday evening, I got a Thai massage. My neck and back were aching and it was just the perfect fix. Thai massages are the most painful and wonderful thing I have ever experienced. You change into hospital scrubs and get stretched like salt water taffy and kneaded like bread dough! 

Wednesday afternoon, we were able to give a blessing to Elder Biju who is in the MTC now and from India. He is a wonderful young man and had a fascinating story about how he became a Christian and is now on a mission! 

This is Naga (who would be getting a blessing the next day) and Binitha.

We met up with Manju (younger sister) and Binitha (elder sister) from India. We were able to give them the printed copies of their patriarchal blessings and take another picture! 

Wednesday evening, we went back to Jones Salad to eat dinner with the Calls and the Stennetts. The Stennetts were in town for immigration. They are from Kauai and Sister Stennett serves as our mission health advisor. We are so grateful from them and their service. 

Waiting for the subway after dinner!

Thursday morning project! Do you see all of these eggs? I cracked everyone of them into a bowl and checked for gross things that I don't want in my eggs, like bits of blood, etc..

Then, I scramble them and pour them into this big container so that they are ready for Elder Brady to cook Friday morning. 

My sink full of cracked eggs! 

Thursday Zone Conference Lunch! Pizza!!! 

Naga from India was blessed Thursday afternoon. She was also so sweet! 

After Naga's blessing, her sister wanted a blessing of comfort. She and their friend Alexae came to our room to visit with us for a while. Alexae is from Oregon and she and her husband are living in Chennai, India where he works for the consulate. (It is the same kind of job that Katrina's husband, Gordon, does). They will be leaving Chennai soon and are so sad to leave their friends. We have given many blessings to members of the church from Chennai, India. 

Thursday evening, we heard a knock at our door. When we opened it, no one was there, but we saw some Elders and Sister Call running to the elevators! Haha! We made them come back and trick or treat! They did a trick for us (some little dance moves - haha) and we gave them some treats! Sister Call put them up to the knocking and running! 

Friday morning at 6:30am, the food is ready to roll down to the cultural hall. After I rolled it downstairs, I went back up to our room to make pancakes while Elder Brady made the scrambled eggs. The Calls made a ton of pancakes in their room too! 

And at 7:30am - Breakfast was served! 

The Bangkok Zone enjoyed their yummy breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, granola, all kinds of pancake and yogurt toppings, fruit, juice, chocolate milk and milk! Whew! 

After breakfast, we delivered Naga's printed blessing to her. 

Sister Polsan created a delicious drink! Sprite with whipped cream - stirred! 

Zone Conference Lunch was yummy Kao Soi (a fabulous noodle soup with chicken). Pictured above was some of the delicious fruit for dessert. This is rambutan. Elder Brady said it was the first fruit he tasted in Thailand back when he served here the first time.

The other fruit we had was Mangosteen. Sister Zabala (Philippines) and Elder Htoo (Myanmar) could not get enough!!! 

This is what the edible part of the fruit looks like on the inside. Have I mentioned how delicious it is? 

Bangkok Zone!

Waiting for the missionaries to come out for the Zone Picture (pictured before this one). 

Elder Brady is looking up at the beautiful temple.

These are all of the Elders in our zone that will be leaving to head home at the end of this transfer on July 16th! There are actually 16 missionaries leaving! And we only have 7 new ones coming to Thailand. We can't believe it! 

We are going to miss this missionaries that we have grown to know and love. 

Pictured: Elder Saunders (current AP), Elder Nielsen (his grandma worked at the same company as Elder Brady), Lewis (current ZL), Cypers (former ZL), Jones (former Rayong BP), Olsen (former ZL), Auernig (current trainer). We love these hardworking, faithful young men. 

We love the Bangkok Sisters too! Sisters Call, Merritt, Zabala, Polsan, Malquist, and me :)!

A lovely view! The temple, a business building in the background with the clouds reflected in the glass panels, and the Address Condo. 

The Bangkok Zone takes a minute to chat and take pictures on the temple grounds. 

We had to get a picture of Elder Htoo in front of the new restaurant across the street - Htoo's Eatery! 

Crossing the street to get back to the temple, I could not resist taking a picture of this shiny car! 

Goodbye! From Thailand! 

That concludes this week's blog! 

We are off to go see Jessica's play tonight with a some of the other Senior Missionaries. 

It is "The Importance of Being Earnest!" 

But more on that next week! 

Thanks for reading! We love you!

Until next week, Sawatdee Ka